Study Skills & Test Prep Articles

Article / Updated 09-11-2024

Some questions on the ASVAB Mathematics Knowledge subtest may involve multiplying fractions. As you solve an equation, you may need to perform the extra step of reducing the fraction to make it easier to find the right answer. Multiplying fractions is easy. You just multiply the numerators and then multiply the denominators. Look at the following equation: You multiply 1 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 9 (the numerators) and then 2 × 4 × 5 = 40 (the denominators) to result in 9/40. Occasionally, when you multiply fractions, you end up with an extremely large fraction that can be simplified or reduced. To express a fraction in its lowest terms means to put it in such a way that you can’t evenly divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number (other than 1). A number that you can divide into both the numerator and the denominator is called a common factor. If you have the fraction 6/10, both the numerator (6) and the denominator (10) can be divided by the same number, 2. If you do the division, 6 ÷ 2 = 3 and 10 ÷ 2 = 5 you find that 6/10 can be expressed in the simpler terms of 3/5. You can’t reduce (simplify) 3/5 any further; the only other number that both the numerator and denominator can be divided by is 1, so the result would be the same, 3/5. Remember, you can’t use a calculator on the ASVAB, so multiplying large numbers can take extra steps and valuable time. You can make your work easier by canceling out common factors before multiplying. For example, suppose you have the following problem Multiplying the numerators (20 × 14) = 280, then multiplying the denominators (21 × 25) = 525, and finally reducing the fraction may require you to write out three or more separate multiplication/division problems. But you can save time if a numerator and denominator have common factors. Here, the numerator of the first fraction (20) and the denominator of the second (25) have a common factor of 5, so you can divide both of those numbers by 5: Your problem becomes The numerator of the second fraction (14) and the denominator of the first fraction (21) are both divisible by 7, so you can cancel out a 7: Divide 14 and 21 by 7. This changes the equation to a much simpler math problem.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 08-15-2024

The American College Testing exam (ACT) tests your knowledge of grammar, reading, science, and math. In addition, the ACT includes an optional writing test. Many colleges require or recommend and entrance exam, such as the ACT, as a component of your application for admission.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 08-14-2024

You’re approaching the end of your Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) prep journey — nicely done! It isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be easy for you to handle it and do great. Here are a few tips to help you do well on exam day.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 07-27-2024

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is based upon a Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) determined by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC2). It is defined through eight tested domains: Security and Risk Management; Asset Security; Security Engineering; Communication and Network Security; Identity and Access Management; Security Assessment and Testing; Security Operations; and Software Development Security. Put the following CISSP test prep tips to good use and prove that you have mastered these domains.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 06-10-2024

A score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT for short) is a requirement for admission to almost all U.S. law schools. Make sure your score represents your best abilities by following these tips for success on all LSAT question types: analytical reasoning (or logic games), reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and the writing sample. Each set of tips highlights the important steps and strategies you need to remember for exam day.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 06-10-2024

The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam tests your basic knowledge of the securities industry. This exam is a corequisite exam for people who want to become an investment company representative, a general securities representative, a direct participation programs (DPP) representative, a securities trader, an investment banking representative, a private securities offerings representative, a research analyst, or an operations professional.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-10-2024

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is your gateway to getting into the graduate school of your choice, maybe even with a scholarship, which then opens the doors to your career path. This Cheat Sheet is a collection of tips and key information that can help you score well on the GRE, get into graduate school, and further your career goals.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-10-2024

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is your gateway to getting into the graduate school of your choice, maybe even with a scholarship, which then opens the doors to your career path. This Cheat Sheet is a collection of tips and key information that can help you score well on the GRE, get into graduate school, and further your career goals.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 05-07-2024

Making sure you have a handle on algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is a solid start for success on the math section of the ACT. However, to boost your confidence — and your score — even higher, you should master some helpful test-taking strategies, as well as make sure you know how to translate word problems into equations and use sketches to figure out what a tricky-sounding question is really asking.

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-12-2024

The certified public accountant (CPA) credential is a valuable tool for you to obtain. The designation will help you pursue a career in accounting and in other areas of business. To become a CPA, you must study for and pass the CPA exam. To increase your chances of success, you need to make sure you’ve prepared properly, including completing the necessary paperwork and requirements for your state, and study thoroughly for each of the four tests that make up the exam.